In today’s digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our lives, offering endless opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection. However, as teenagers, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks that come with online activities. This article will explore essential tips, facts, and rules to help you stay safe and make informed choices while navigating the digital world.
Internet Safety for Teens: Tips
- Never share your personal information online, such as your full name, address, phone number, school name, or password. Only use your first name or a nickname when chatting or posting online.
- Don’t talk to strangers online or agree to meet them in person. Some people may pretend to be someone else or lie about their age or intentions. Tell a trusted adult immediately if someone makes you uncomfortable or asks you to do something inappropriate.
- Be careful about what you post online. Others can see anything you post and may stay online forever. Don’t post anything that is embarrassing, hurtful, or illegal. Before you click, ask yourself: Would I want my parents, teachers, or friends to see this?
- Respect others online. Don’t bully, harass, or insult anyone online. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Don’t respond or retaliate if someone is being mean or rude to you online. Block them, report them, and tell a trusted adult.
- Use privacy settings and parental controls. Check the privacy settings of your websites and apps and ensure they are set to the highest level. Ask your parents to help you set up parental controls on your devices and accounts to limit what you can see and do online.
- Learn how to spot fake news and scams. Not everything you see online is true or trustworthy. Some websites, ads, or messages may try to trick you into believing false information or giving them your money or personal information. Learn how to identify and avoid these online traps by checking the information’s source, date, and evidence.
- Don’t open emails or attachments from unknown senders. They may contain spam, phishing, or malware that can compromise your security or privacy.
- Don’t click on pop-ups or links that promise something too good to be true. They may lead you to unsafe or inappropriate websites or try to scam you out of your money or personal information.
Internet Safety Facts
- According to a 2019 survey by Common Sense Media, 81% of teens aged 13-18 use social media, and 38% of them say they use it multiple times an hour.
- According to a 2020 report by UNICEF, one in three children worldwide is exposed to cyberbullying, online sexual abuse, or other forms of online violence.
- According to a 2021 study by Norton LifeLock, 65% of parents worry about their children’s online safety, and 54% of them have caught their children doing something they shouldn’t have done online.
- In 2020, 71% of the world’s youth (aged between 15 and 24 years) were using the Internet, compared with 57% of the other age groups.
In 2021, Bark, a parental control app, analyzed more than 3.4 billion online activities from teens and tweens across the U.S. Here are the internet safety facts uncovered by Bark.
- 72.09% of tweens and 85.00% of teens experienced bullying as a bully, victim, or witness.
- 32.11% of tweens and 56.40% of teens engaged in conversations about depression.
- 68.97% of tweens and 90.73% of teens encountered nudity or content of a sexual nature.
- 43.09% of tweens and 74.61% of teens were involved in a self-harm/suicidal situation.
- 75.35% of tweens and 93.31% of teens engaged in conversations surrounding drugs/alcohol.
- 80.82% of tweens and 94.50% of teens expressed or experienced violent subject matter/thoughts.
- 9.95% of tweens and 20.54% of teens encountered predatory behaviors from someone online.
- 1.96% of tweens and 7.66% of teens engaged with or encountered content about disordered eating.
- 19.69% of tweens and 42.05% of teens used language or were exposed to language about anxiety.
Teen Internet Safety Rules
- Follow your parents’ rules about when, where, and how long you can use the internet. They are there to protect you and help you make good choices online.
- Don’t download or install anything without your parent’s permission. Some downloads may contain viruses, malware, or spyware that can harm your device or steal your information.
- Maintain open communication with your parents or a trusted adult. They can guide you, answer your questions, and help you navigate any challenges online. Remember, they’re on your side and want to ensure your safety.
Conclusion
The internet is a great tool for learning and having fun, but it also comes with some risks and responsibilities. You can enjoy the internet safely and responsibly by following these tips, facts, and rules. Remember: if you ever have any questions or concerns about your online safety, talk to a trusted adult who can help you.